This learning module explores violence, terrorism, and war. In this assignment, you will apply the concepts from this module in a discussion activity about the moral implications of media violence and its affect on society.
Read the chapter on violence, terrorism, and war in the text, then consider the aftermath of the school shootings at Littleton's Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.
The tragedy renewed the debate over what could cause two seniors to shoot 12 other students and a teacher before killing themselves. Some point fingers at the easy access to weapons in the
U.S., while others blame increasingly violent images and language in movies, video games, and song lyrics.
On May 10 of that year, then President Bill Clinton said much of the responsibility lies with parents, challenging them to turn off violent T.V. programs or not buy graphic computer games. "If no one consumes these products, people will stop producing them. They will not build it if you don't come" (White House Summit Looks for Answers to Youth Violence, 1999,
para. 10). But Clinton also appealed to the entertainment and media industries as well, "We cannot pretend that there is no impact on our culture and our children that is adverse if there is too much violence coming out of what they see and experience" (White House Summit, 1999,
para. 11). "And so, we have to ask the people who produce things to consider the consequences of them, whether it's a violent movie, a
CD, a video game. If they are made, they at least should not be marketed to children" (White House Summit, 1999, para.12). Clinton also urged Congress to "join in this campaign by passing the legislation necessary to keep guns out of the hands of children" (White House Summit, 1999,
para.13).
References:
White House summit looks for answers to youth violence (1999). All Politics CNN.
- How do you weigh the balance of the freedom of expression through arts and entertainment media in a free society with the need to protect its youth from harmful media effects? What is your recommendation based on moral reasoning in this issue?
- The Federal Communications' Commission has mentioned that one option might include regulating broadcast television programs containing violent scenes to "safe harbor times" when children are not regularly part of the audience. In your opinion, is this an acceptable option based on moral reasoning to justify banning violent content from certain time slots on public airwaves? Provide a rationale to support your response.